Hand & Wrist Tendon Conditions
Tendon conditions, including tendinitis, tendinopathy and trigger finger, can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty moving the hand, wrist or fingers.
Tendon conditions affecting the hand and wrist occur when tendons become inflamed, irritated or damaged. These conditions can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty moving the hand, wrist or fingers, making everyday activities such as gripping objects, typing or lifting more challenging. At Summa Health Orthopedic Institute, our hand and wrist specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of tendon conditions to relieve pain, restore function and help you return to your daily activities.
Causes of Hand & Wrist Tendon Conditions
Tendon conditions may develop gradually from repetitive use or occur after a sudden injury. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements
- Overuse from work, sports or hobbies
- Sudden increases in activity level
- Forceful gripping or lifting
- Aging and normal wear on tendons
- Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
- Previous injuries to the hand or wrist
Identifying the underlying cause of your tendon condition helps your orthopedic specialist develop the most effective treatment plan and reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.
Hand & Wrist Tendon Condition Symptoms
- Symptoms vary depending on the affected tendon but commonly include:
- Pain with movement or activity
- Tenderness along a tendon
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Weakness or reduced grip strength
- Difficulty bending or straightening the fingers or wrist
- Catching, clicking or locking of a finger or thumb
- Reduced range of motion
Without treatment, tendon conditions can worsen over time, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult.
Common Hand & Wrist Tendon Conditions
Tendinitis & Tendinopathy
Tendinitis and tendinopathy occur when a tendon becomes irritated or damaged, often due to repetitive motion or overuse. These conditions commonly cause pain, tenderness, swelling and weakness that may worsen with activity.
Risk factors include:
- Repetitive hand or wrist movements
- Jobs or hobbies that require frequent gripping, lifting or twisting
- Sports involving repetitive wrist motion
- Aging
- Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Rest and splinting
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Hand therapy or physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections for select conditions
- Surgery if symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative treatment
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the protective sheath surrounding a finger or thumb tendon, causing the digit to catch, lock or become difficult to straighten. Symptoms often develop gradually and may include pain, stiffness and a popping or clicking sensation during movement.
Risk factors include:
- Repetitive gripping activities
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Age, most commonly between 40 and 60
- Female sex
Treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Finger splinting
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgery to release the affected tendon sheath when symptoms persist
Meet Our Hand, Wrist and Elbow Team
As part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our hand, wrist and elbow team is led by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons with advanced expertise in treating these conditions and injuries. Working closely with therapists and other specialists, they provide personalized care focused on relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients get back to their daily activities.